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Saluting Battery: A Blast from the Past

Experience centuries of history at Valletta's Saluting Battery, where time stands still and cannons roar overlooking the Grand Harbour.

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The Saluting Battery in Valletta, Malta, is a historic artillery battery offering stunning Grand Harbour views. Originally built in the 16th century, it continues the tradition of firing gun salutes, providing a vivid link to Malta's past.

A brief summary to Saluting Battery

  • Saluting Battery Battery Street, Valletta, VLT 1221, MT
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Arrive before 11:45 or 15:45 to get a good spot for the noon or 4pm gun firing and hear the brief commentary beforehand.
  • Purchase tickets online to save money and guarantee entry.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic views.
  • Consider the multi-site ticket for access to Fort Rinella, the Malta at War Museum, and the Saluting Battery, including transport between sites.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Valletta City Gate, walk straight along Republic Street, then turn right onto Battery Street. The Saluting Battery is located on the lower tier of St. Peter & Paul Bastion, below the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Follow signs for the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and then take the stairs or Barrakka Lift down to the battery. The Barrakka Lift costs €1 per ride unless you have a Three Cities ferry ticket, in which case it is free.

  • Public Transport

    Take any bus to the Valletta Bus Terminus, located just outside the City Gate. From there, walk along Republic Street, turn right onto Battery Street, and follow the walking directions. A single bus ride costs €1.50 in winter and €2.00 in summer for a 2-hour ticket. Consider purchasing a Tallinja Explore Card for unlimited travel if you plan to use public transport frequently.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Ask your driver to take you to the entrance of Valletta City Gate. From there, follow the walking directions to the Saluting Battery. A short taxi ride within Valletta should cost approximately €10-€15.

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Discover more about Saluting Battery

Perched high on Valletta's eastern ramparts, the Saluting Battery offers a dramatic view of the Grand Harbour. Constructed in 1566 by the Order of St. John, it stands on the site of an Ottoman battery used during the Great Siege of Malta. For centuries, the battery served both military and ceremonial roles, signaling the opening and closing of the city gates and firing salutes to visiting dignitaries and naval vessels. The battery's guns also marked time for the city, with shots fired at sunrise, noon, and sunset. This practice allowed mariners to calibrate their ship chronometers. The Saluting Battery saw action during the blockade of 1798-1800 and World War II, sustaining significant damage during the Blitz. The British military removed the guns in 1954, and the battery was later restored and reopened to the public in the early 21st century. Today, the Saluting Battery is equipped with eight working replicas of SBBL 32-pounder cannons. Visitors can witness the firing of gun salutes daily (Monday-Saturday) at 12:00 and 16:00. The site also features a museum with historic artillery and offers guided tours.

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